Would you like to know about the Black Stone of Heaven? The Hajr e Aswad, a black stone, is engraved on the southeast wall of the Kaaba. The ziarat of the Black stone is also part of the ritual pilgrims perform during the Hajj and Umrah. It holds great importance in the history of Islam. The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) received the Hajr e Aswad and placed it on the House of Allah (SWT) wall.
According to other narrations, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismaeel (AS) installed the Hajr e Aswad on the Wall of Kaaba. The construction of the building for worship and devotion began on the order of Allah (SWT). There weren’t enough stones to complete the Wall. Thus, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) told his son to find a stone that could fit in the hole and finish the Wall of the Holy Kaaba. Furthermore, Prophet Ismail (AS) tried several times to find the stone, but he could not find a suitable stone for the Wall. Upon his return empty-handed, he observed that the white shiny rock was already placed in the empty area. Prophet Ismail (AS) asked his father about the stone. He said that Gabriel had delivered this stone to him. Thus, this narrative proves this stone (Hijra Aswad) is a heavenly stone brought down from Heaven.
By reading this blog, you may learn about the importance and significance of the Hijra Aswad.
Importance of Black Stone for Muslims
The Black Stone is placed on the southeast of the Kaaba. It is a very precious and sacred stone. During Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims begin circumambulation around the Kaaba from the southeast wall, where they place the Hajre Aswad. Pilgrims who want to see and touch this beautiful Black Stone during Umrah can choose the perfect Umrah Packages for comfort and kiss it during their Umrah Journey.
Hajre Aswad is important for Muslims worldwide. Besides considering it the stone of Heaven, numerous other aspects of the Black Stone deserve attention. The Prophet (PBUH) has Hadiths that are related to the significance of the Black Stone for Muslims and Islam.
Ibn Abbas narrates, that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Hajre Aswad and al-Maqam (Ibrahim) are the two jewels from the jewels of Paradise. Had Allah not concealed their radiance, they would illuminate everything between the East and the West.” (Tirmidhi) (quranreading.com)
This hadith also explains the importance of the Hajre Aswad. Here, the stone is praised, and the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is honoured and referred to as the jewels of Heaven. Allah Almighty has hidden their radiance to maintain order in the world and preserve the harmony of nature.
Where did the Black stone come from?
Angel Jabrail brought Hajre Aswad from Jannah and delivered it to Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who placed it on the corner of the Kaaba wall. Ibn Abbas narrated Numerous Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ibn Abbas narrates that:
The Messenger of Allah said: “When the Black Stone came down from Paradise, it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam made it black.” (Jami al-Tirmidhi, 877)
The Messenger of Allah narrates said that:
The Black Stone accepts prayers and will testify in support of those who kissed it on the Day of Judgment. Ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet (PBUH), narrated that the Messenger of Allah said about the Black Stone: “By Allah! Allah will raise it on the Day of Resurrection with two eyes by which it sees and a tongue that it speaks with, testifying to whoever touched it in truth”. (Jami at-Tirmidhi 961) (Islamiccity.org)
Significance of Black Stone
Hajre Aswad has a huge significance for Muslims all over the world. The Black Stone of Heaven came down from Paradise, and the Prophet (PBUH) has mentioned it in numerous hadiths and its Sunnah to kiss it while performing Hajj and Umrah. Even though it is just a stone, kissing the Hajre Aswad symbolises the forgiveness of a person’s sins as it represents the mercy and blessings of Allah (SWT). Pilgrims can touch and kiss the Black Stone if they are with group fellows. By choosing the Group August Umrah packages the devotees can kiss and touch the Hajre Aswad comfortably. Therefore, pilgrims are advised to be patient and wait their turn if there is a large crowd. If a person cannot physically kiss it, they should not struggle; instead, they should kiss it in the air by pointing their hands towards the Black Stone and making dua.
Who Stole the Black Stone?
Many people do not know that the Hajre Aswad was heavily damaged & stolen from Makkah. Over the years, people have heavily damaged and disrespected the sacred stone. In 683 CE, during the Umayyad siege of Makkah, a stone fired from a catapult destroyed the Hajre Aswad into small pieces. Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) later rejoined the shattered fragments of the Hajr E Aswad.
Qarmatian warriors stole The Black Stone from the Kaaba (Makkah) around 930 CE. They looted Makkah, disrespecting the Well of Zamzam with bodies, and took the Hijra Aswad to their headquarters in Ihsaa, located in mediaeval Bahrain. Historian Al-Juwavni asserts that around 952 CE, Abbasids brought back the Black Stone after twenty-three years and restored it to its original position.
Manners of kissing the Black Stone of Heaven
Muslims kiss the Black Stone because the Prophet (PBUH) honoured and blessed it with his lips, considering it a heavenly gift. Therefore, Muslims need to respect and honour the Black Stone. Muslims should remember to worship only Allah (SWT) and nothing in the world.
During the Hajj and Umrah journey, every devotee wishes to touch and kiss the Hajre Aswad once in a lifetime. It is important to remember that kissing the Hajre Aswad is a recommended practice (Sunnah). It is also important to avoid pushing, hurting, or harming others while kissing the Black Stone. If the area is crowded, recite the Takbir while pointing towards the Hajre Aswad using your hand or a stick. However, the Prophet (PBUH) kissed it directly and pointed to it when crowded. Undoubtedly, both kissing and pointing towards the Hajre Aswad are Sunnah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Black Stone, known as Hajre Aswad, holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. During the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, these are a sacred point where worshippers can experience a spiritual connection with Allah (SWT). Numerous hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH) emphasise its holiness, affirming its significance as a testament on the Day of Judgement and a conduit for forgiving sins. Despite being stolen in the past and broken into pieces, the Black Stone remains a potent symbol of faith and devotion. Umrah packages help Muslims strengthen their spiritual connection with this sacred symbol. By this, they can increase their love for Allah (SWT) and understand the importance of Hajre Aswad.
